Payout to family of bullied NSW student

The family of teenager Alex Wildman, who took his own life after being beaten and bullied at school, is to receive a six-figure payout from the NSW Education department.

The 14-year-old died by suicide on July 25, 2008 at his family's home at Goonellabah, near Lismore, after being bullied by other pupils at Kadina High School.

Alex, described as a "highly intelligent and sensitive young man", endured attacks and threats at Ingleburn High School in Sydney in 2007 and the bullying started again when he moved to Kadina.

A coroner found bullying had contributed to his suicide and made various recommendations, including that the department ensure students at large high schools have access to full-time school counsellors.

The family began a civil case against the department, claiming it breached its duty of care owed to Alex.

But on Friday - the National Day of Action Against Bullying and Violence - a District Court judge was told the case had been settled in favour of the family.

The figure, believed to be close to $1 million, will be held in trust until the youngest of Alex's three siblings turns 18.

A departmental statement later said the death of Alex was a tragedy.

"The NSW Department of Education and Communities offers its condolences to Alex's family and friends," it said.

"The recommendations from the coronial inquiry into Alex Wildman's death are being implemented by the department.

"The terms of settlement in this matter make further comment inappropriate."

The family's lawyer Greg Walsh said avoiding the need to relive Alex's suffering "chapter and verse" in court meant more than the financial settlement.

"I was truly mortified about the prospects of running the matter on a lengthy basis," Mr Walsh told ABC Radio.

"To put the family through this again I just found very distressing to me, let alone the family.

"It had the potential of really destroying the family even further."

Alex's mother Justine Kelly said the settlement meant the family had finally received justice.

"It means that we have been vindicated. It means that justice has been served," she told reporters.

"I think Alex would be very proud because it has been a long hard fight."